UH Center, West Hawai‘i encourages youth to stay in school

KONA — More than 80 youth, ranging from pre-school to seniors in high school, signed a promise to stay in school, graduate and attend college as part of an exhibit presented by the University Center, West Hawai‘i.

UH Center, West Hawai‘i made the push to keep kids in school during the West Hawai‘i Earth and Ocean Family Fun Health Fair held in Kailua-Kona on April 20.

The free community event, recognizing Earth Day, was presented by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Kealakehe High School, West Hawai‘i Community Health Center and the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant.

"This was a great event overall, and we were happy to be able to deliver our message about the importance of education," said Beth Sanders, Interim Director of the UH Center, West Hawai'i. "We hope that as these kids promised to stay in school, it impressed upon them just how significant education is for their future."